Apparatus and method for land clearing and preparation

ABSTRACT

A land preparation tool includes a tool body, wherein the tool body comprises a cutting surface, a mounting surface disposed along a side of the body opposite the cutting surface, a first angled surface that sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting surface, and a second angled surface that is disposed on a side of the cutting surface opposite the first angled surface and sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mounting surface. The tool further includes a blade disposed on the same side of the tool body as the cutting surface and on an end of the tool body opposite the first and second angled surfaces and a channel disposed into the mounting surface and extending into the tool body. The mounting surface includes a nonplanar profile.

CROSS REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.29/560,329, filed Apr. 5, 2016, now pending, which is a divisional ofU.S. application Ser. No. 29/466,991, filed Sep. 13, 2013, now U.S. Pat.No. D757,124, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.12/918,677, filed Nov. 30, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,540,033, which is aPCT National Phase entry of PCT/US2009/034872, filed Feb. 23, 2009,which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No.61/030,744, filed Feb. 22, 2008, all of which are herein incorporated byreference.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to attachment systems and methods for landpreparation tools, such as cutting, grinding, mulching, and/or shreddingtools, more particularly tool interfaces for attachments to poweredvehicles.

Land preparation and clearing machines and apparatus such as forestrymachines and apparatus are utilized for clearing land, creating paths,and otherwise removing debris, brush, trees, vegetation, soil, concrete,asphalt, rock, and/or other materials, making the land suitable forfurther development or use. To carry out these tasks, such machines canbe fitted with land preparation attachments or apparatus operable tomulch, cut, shred, and/or grind vegetation, brush, trees, stumps, soil,concrete, asphalt, rock, and other materials.

In particular, the apparatus may be integrally or detachably attached toa tractor, skid steer, or other vehicle to facilitate articulation andmovement of the mowing apparatus with respect to the vegetation. Often,the vehicle is a multi-purpose vehicle having the capability to befitted with any of a variety of attachments suitable for the task athand. For example, the vehicle can include a common connection forconnecting to and driving the apparatus such as brush cutters, rotarymowers, shredders, grinders, and crushers. Such land preparation andclearing apparatus can be hydraulically driven via hydraulic power fromthe vehicle. One illustrative type of land preparation and clearingapparatus is known as a “flail mower” which utilizes a rotatable axlewith either swinging or fixed position cutting tools (often known as“flails”).

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an exemplary land preparation apparatuscomprising a rotatable drum and a plurality of tool assemblies disposedon the rotatable drum is provided. Each tool assembly comprises a toolholder comprising a mounting surface defining a non-planar profile, anda land preparation tool connected to the tool holder and comprising amounting surface in flush contact with the tool holder mounting surface.The mounting surface of the land preparation tool defines a non-planarprofile which is the inverse of the non-planar profile of the toolholder mounting surface.

According to another embodiment, another exemplary land preparationapparatus comprising a rotatable drum and a plurality of tool assembliesdisposed on the rotatable drum is provided. Each tool assembly comprisesa tool holder comprising a mounting surface defining a non-planarprofile, a land preparation tool comprising a mounting surface, and anintermediate connector disposed between and connecting the tool holderand the land preparation tool. The intermediate connector comprises atool holder interface in flush contact with the mounting surface of thetool holder. The tool holder interface defines a non-planar profileinverse to the non-planar profile of the tool holder mounting surface.

According to further embodiments, the non-planar profile is convex,concave, V-shaped, or combinations thereof.

In even further embodiments, the above described land preparation toolfurther comprises a cutting surface disposed on a surface opposite themounting surface of the land preparation tool, wherein the cuttingsurface defines an upper region and a lower region. The lower regiondefines a non-planar profile extending outwardly from a plane defined bythe upper region. The land preparation tool also comprises a pair ofside surfaces extending between the mounting surface and the cuttingsurface, wherein each side surface comprises an upper region and a lowerregion. The lower region of the cutting surface extends widthwise ahorizontal distance beyond the width of the tool holder mountingsurface, and wherein the lower region of the side surfaces extendwidthwise a horizontal distance beyond the width of the tool holdermounting surface.

These and additional objects and advantages provided by the embodimentsof the present invention will be more fully understood in view of thefollowing detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The following detailed description of embodiments of the presentinvention can be best understood when read in conjunction with thedrawings enclosed herewith:

FIG. 1 is a top isometric view of an exemplary land preparation andclearing machine according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a isometric view of the exemplary land preparation andclearing machine of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of an exemplary land preparationapparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 3B is a cutaway exploded view of an exemplary rotatable toolshowing the coupling arrangement of the exemplary tool assembly of FIG.4A to the rotatable drum of FIG. 3A according to one or more embodimentsof the present invention;

FIG. 4A is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary tool assemblycomprising a tool holder, and a land preparation tool according to oneor more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 4B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary land preparationtool of FIG. 4A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplary landpreparation tool according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A is an exploded isometric view of another exemplary tool assemblycomprising a tool holder, and a land preparation tool according to oneor more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary land preparationtool of FIG. 5A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplary landpreparation tool according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6A is an exploded isometric view of yet another exemplary toolassembly comprising a tool holder, and a land preparation tool accordingto one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 6B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary land preparationtool of FIG. 6A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplary landpreparation tool according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7A is an exploded isometric view of yet another exemplary toolassembly comprising a tool holder, and a land preparation toolcomprising pairs of upper and lower cutting blades according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 7B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary tool assembly ofFIG. 7A according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is an exploded isometric view of another exemplary tool assemblyaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 8B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary tool assembly ofFIG. 8A according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary tool assemblycomprising a tool holder, an intermediate connector, and a landpreparation tool according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 9B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary intermediateconnector of FIG.9A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplaryland preparation tool according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10A is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary tool assemblycomprising a tool holder, an intermediate connector, and a landpreparation tool according to one or more embodiments of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary intermediateconnector of FIG. 10A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplaryland preparation tool according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11A is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary tool assemblycomprising a tool holder, an intermediate connector, and a landpreparation tool comprising a plurality of blades according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 11B is a rotated isometric view of the exemplary intermediateconnector of FIG. 11A which shows the mounting surface of the exemplaryland preparation tool according to one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12A is a front view of an exemplary land preparation toolcomprising a cutting surface with an outwardly extending lower regionaccording to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 12B is a isometric view of the exemplary land preparation tool ofFIG. 12A according to one or more embodiments of the present invention;

FIG. 13A is a front view of another exemplary land preparation toolcomprising a cutting surface with an outwardly extending lower regionand side surfaces with outwardly extending lower regions according toone or more embodiments of the present invention; and

FIG. 13B is a isometric view of the exemplary land preparation tool ofFIG. 13A according to one or more embodiments of the present invention.

The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative in nature andnot intended to be limiting of the invention defined by the claims.Moreover, individual features of the drawings and the invention will bemore fully apparent and understood in view of the detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention is generally directed to land preparation andclearing machines (“Land Preparation Machine”) that are designed to cut,grind, mulch, shred, clear, mill, and/or mix trees, brush, ground cover,vegetation, debris, asphalt, concrete, and/or soil. The Land PreparationMachines and their corresponding implements may comprise a variety ofvehicles and implements, including but not limited to skid steervehicles, forestry machines and vehicles, PTO tractors, farm tractorsand/or any other known vehicles and their corresponding implementscompatible with land preparation and clearing. Such Land PreparationMachines may prepare the surface and subsurface of the earth. As usedherein, the phrases “land preparation and clearing” and “”landpreparation” will mean any land preparation and clearing operations,including but not limited to forestry operations such as cutting,grinding, mulching, shredding, clearing, milling, and/or mixing trees,brush, ground cover, vegetation, debris, soil, rock, asphalt, concrete,and/or soil. As used herein, “feed material” describes trees, brush,ground cover, vegetation, debris, soil, rock, asphalt, concrete, and/orsoil produced from such land preparation and clearing operations,including but not limited to forestry operations such as clearing land,cutting and/or mulching trees, and/or preparing land surfaces (e.g.,creating paths).

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, an exemplary embodiment of a Land PreparationMachine 10 includes a vehicle 12 (e.g., a forestry vehicle) and a landpreparation apparatus 14 connected to the vehicle 12. In this exemplaryembodiment, the vehicle 12 is a skid steer vehicle suitable for off-roadtravel, and includes a driver station 20 as well as an all-terrain wheelassembly 24. The wheel assembly may include tires 26. In addition, tires26 may drive all-terrain tracks (not shown), which may provide tractionfor the vehicle 12 to move over a variety of terrains and in a varietyof conditions. The all terrain tracks may comprise metal or rubber-basedtracks that wrap around tires 26 as known to one of ordinary skill inthe art. The vehicle 12 also includes a hydraulically operated verticallift assembly 29 for vertically lifting the land preparation apparatus14, and any other attachments that may be used with the vehicle.Controls 22 can be provided for control of the hydraulic lift assembly29, including the lift arms 32 as well as for controlling the powerprovided to the wheel assembly 24 and for controlling the operation ofthe land preparation apparatus 14.

While the land preparation apparatus 14 is shown in this exampleconnected to and powered by vehicle 12 which is a skid steer vehicle,other suitable all-terrain vehicles with capability for powering andutilizing a hydraulic motor attachment or tool (e.g., such as landpreparation apparatus 14) could be provided, such as other forestryvehicles, mini-track loaders, excavators, backhoes, PTO tractors, farmtractors, and/or any other known vehicles and their correspondingimplements compatible with land preparation and clearing. Furtherexamples of suitable skid steer vehicles are shown and described in U.S.Pat. Nos. 4,168,757 and 4,209,071, the entire disclosures of which arehereby incorporated by reference herein.

In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the land preparationapparatus 14 is removably connectable to the vehicle 12. The connectionbetween the attachment 14 and the vehicle 12 can be accomplished in anyof a variety of manners, such as by providing receptacles 30 forreceiving vertical lift arms 32 from the vehicle 12. The landpreparation apparatus 14, in this example, further includes a hydraulicsupply connection for receiving an operating supply of hydraulic fluidfrom a pump within the vehicle to power the land preparation apparatus14, and a hydraulic return connection for returning hydraulic fluid to atank within the vehicle 12. The hydraulic supply and return connectionsmay comprise convention quick-disconnect connections as known to one ofordinary skill in the art.

It is understood that land preparation apparatus 14 may also be fixedlyattached to the vehicle 12 and/or be a stand alone machine such as awalk behind land preparation apparatus. Also, it is understood thatother hydraulically-operated rotary mowing or cutting attachments may beutilized with principles of the present invention, integral with ordetachable from vehicle 12, and/or separately from or in combinationwith the land preparation apparatus 14. Other configurations are alsopossible, such as where the fluid pump and tank are located at otherlocations. Connection, powering, and movement of the land preparationapparatus 14 can be accomplished with various configurations, such asthose described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,148,366, and 5,813,792, for example,which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3A, the land preparation apparatus 14 may include ahousing 44 forming a chamber 100, right and left end plates 105 and 107,respectively, connected to the housing 44, and a movable tool (e.g.,rotatable tool 50) movably (e.g., rotatably) connected to and betweenthe right and left end plates 105 and 107 within the chamber 100. Rightand left end plates 105 and 107 may alternatively be integral with thehousing 44. In this exemplary embodiment, the rotatable tool 50comprises a rotatable drum or rod 52 and a plurality of tool assemblies60 spaced along and extending radially from the tool drum 52 as shown inFIGS. 2 and 3A. For additional details regarding the arrangement of toolassemblies 60 on the rotatable drum, U.S. application Ser. No.12/172,691 has been incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIGS. 4A-14B shows multiple exemplary embodiments of tool assemblies 60in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.Optionally, rotatable tool 50 may also comprise an axle 56 extendinglongitudinally from either one or both ends of the tool drum 52. Formovement of the rotatable tool 50, a hydraulic motor 40, such as ahydraulic piston motor, provides rotation of a rotor (e.g., drive shaft42) which drives the rotatable tool drum 52, which thereby causes rapidrotation of the tool assemblies 60, such as at speeds of between about100 to about 3000 rpm. The drive shaft 42 may drive a belt (not shown),which engages and drives the axle 56 to turn tool drum 52.Alternatively, the drive shaft 42 may be directly connected to the drum52 or axle 56.

In one particular embodiment, the hydraulic lift arms 32 raise and lowerthe land preparation apparatus 14 via controls 22 to allow the toolassembly 60 (e.g., the teeth or cutters of the tool assembly 60) to comeinto contact with brush, trees, vegetation, or other objects to be cutor shredded or cleared. Controls 22 may also control the supply of fluidto the hydraulic motor 40 to start and stop the rotation of the tooldrum 52 and tool assemblies 60. The land preparation attachment 14 mayinclude any number of suitable components, cutters, grinders, mixers,and/or tools for providing a cutting, grinding, mulching, shredding,clearing, milling, and/or mixing function. In addition, the landpreparation apparatus may comprise safety mechanisms such as a guardassembly 46 as shown in FIGS. 1-3A.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic motor 40 iscontrolled by a hydraulic brake 16 which automatically slows the motor40 when the flow of hydraulic fluid to the motor via the hydraulicsupply line is discontinued. For additional detail on land preparationmachinery (e.g., forestry machinery) or hydraulic components associatedwith land preparation machinery (e.g., forestry machinery), U.S.Publication No. 2006/0032222 has been incorporated by reference in itsentirety herein.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 3B-11B, each tool assembly 60comprises a tool holder 62 and a land preparation tool 66. As will bedescribed herein in view of the figures, the term “land preparationtool” includes, but is not limited to a cutter, blade, grinder, chipper,knife, hammer tool, milling tool, flailing tool or element, carbide tip,steel tip, composite tip, any other tool for suitable for land surfacepreparation and clearing as described and defined above herein, or anycombination thereof. The tool assemblies 60, and any of its components,may be fabricated from a variety of metals, composites, plastics, orcombinations thereof. Additional detail regarding tool assemblies isprovided in U.S. Pat. No. 4,223,441 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,222,418, whichare hereby incorporated by reference herein. Further as will bedescribed herein in view of the figures, the term “tool holder” is asupport structure for the land preparation tool. The land preparationtool 66 may be directly connected to the tool holder 62 as shown inFIGS. 4A-8A or may be connected to the tool holder 62 via anintermediate connector 76 as will be described in detail below and shownin FIGS. 9A-11B. As used herein, “connected” may mean fixedly connected(for example, by welding together the tool holder 62, the landpreparation tool 66, and optionally the intermediate connector 76) orremovably connected (for example, by bolting, matingly coupling,adhering, or magnetically coupling the tool holder 62, the landpreparation tool 66, and optionally the intermediate connector 76). Ifremovable, the land preparation tool 66 may comprise a replaceable tipthat is designed to be replaced once worn due to use, permitting thetool holder 62 to remain affixed to the tool drum 52 while the tool 66is replaced.

Referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the tool holder 62comprises a mounting surface 64 defining a non-planar profile. As usedherein, non-planar profile defines any surface, which is not a straightplanar surface, for example, V-shaped, concave, convex, or combinationsthereof. As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 4A, the non-planar profileof the tool holder mounting surface 64 may define a convex V-shape,wherein the mounting surface 64 tapers outwardly towards the middle ofthe tool holder mounting surface 64. Referring to an alternativeembodiment as shown in FIG. 5A, the non-planar profile of the toolholder mounting surface 164 may define a concave V-shape, wherein themounting surface 164 tapers inwardly towards the middle of the toolholder mounting surface 164.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4B, each land preparation tool 66 may alsocomprise a mounting surface 68, which defines a non-planar profile whichis the inverse of the non-planar profile of the tool holder mountingsurface 64. As shown in FIG. 4B, the mounting surface 68 of the landpreparation tool 66 may define a concave V-shape, which is the inverseof the convex V-shape configuration of the tool holder mounting surface64. In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 5B, the mountingsurface 168 of the land preparation tool 66 defines a convex V-shape,which is the inverse of the concave V-shape configuration of the toolholder mounting surface 164. As a result of the inverse non-planarprofiles of the mounting surfaces, flush contact may be achieved whenthe tool holder 62 and land preparation tool 66 are connected. Thisyields an interference fit or a friction fit between the inversesurfaces 64 and 68, which combats sliding (e.g., horizontal sliding) ofthe tool holder 62 or land preparation tool 66.

In addition to the interference fit between inverse surfaces 64 and 68,other coupling arrangements are further contemplated. Referring again toFIGS. 4A and 4B, each tool holder 62 may comprise a coupling mechanism65 disposed on the mounting surface 64 of the tool holder 62. As shownin the embodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the coupling mechanism maycomprise at least one rounded bushing or peg 65 extending from themounting surface 64 of the tool holder 62. The rounded peg 65 of FIGS.4A and 4B may be hollow with a channel 63 therein, wherein the channel63 extends from the rounded peg 65 to an opening 61 disposed on theopposite end of the tool holder 62. While FIGS. 4A and 4B depict onlyone channel 63 extending through the tool holder 62, it is contemplatedto have more than one channel. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 7Aand 7B, the tool holder 62 comprises a pair of rounded pegs 265 with apair of rounded channels 163 disposed therein. As shown in FIG. 7A and7B, the one peg is disposed above the other peg; however, a side-by-sideconfiguration of rounded pegs (not shown) is also contemplated herein.

In yet another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the tool holder 62may lack a rounded peg or comparable coupling mechanism on the mountingsurface 64; however, the tool holder 62 may still include a channel 63extending from opening 165 on the mounting surface 64 to opening 61disposed on the opposite end of the tool holder 62. The FIG. 9A and 9Bembodiments also lack a coupling mechanism but include two channels 163extending from openings 465 on the mounting surface 64 to openings 161disposed on the opposite end of the tool holder 62. Moreover, theopposite mating arrangement to the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 4A-5B,and 7A-7B is contemplated. For example, the tool holder 62 may compriseat least one round recess and the land preparation tool 66 may compriseat least one round peg which may be matingly inserted into the roundrecess of the tool holder 62. Although the present embodiments depictrounded pegs or rounded recesses, other shapes, for example square orrectangular pegs are also contemplated herein.

Additionally, although the figures generally depict channels 63 and 163with circular tube shapes, other channel shapes and configurations arecontemplated herein. Moreover, the channel 63 may be a threaded channel(not shown) disposed inside hollow pegs 65; however, it is contemplatedto use non-hollow pegs without channels extending therethrough.

To couple (e.g., matingly couple) with the coupling mechanism of thetool holder 62, the land preparation tool 66 may comprise a couplingmechanism on its mounting surface 68 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. In theembodiment of FIGS. 4A and 4B, the coupling mechanism of the landpreparation tool 66 may comprises at least one round recess 73, whichmay receive the round peg 65 of the tool holder 62, thereby facilitatingthe mating of the land preparation tool 66 and the tool holder 62. Whilemating is the depicted coupling arrangement in the figures, othercoupling mechanisms for the tool holder 62 and land preparation tool 66are contemplated herein, for example, welding, adhering, magneticallycoupling, or combinations thereof. Further as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B,the land preparation tool 66 may comprise a pair of rounded recesses273, which are configured to receive the rounded pegs 265 of the toolholder 62. In yet another embodiment as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, thecoupling mechanism of the tool holder 62 may also comprise a raisingbushing 365 (for example, a raised oval shaped bushing) comprising apair of orifices therein. For coupling, the land preparation tool 66comprises a rounded recess 373 (e.g., oval shaped) to correspond to theshape of the raised busing 365 in order to receive the raised bushing365 of the tool holder 62.

Moreover as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the land preparation tool 66 mayoptionally comprise at least one channel 77 extending from the roundrecess 73 to an opening 79 disposed on the cutting surface 67 of theland preparation tool 66, which is disposed on a surface opposite themounting surface 68 of the land preparation tool 66. When the toolholder 62 and land preparation tool 66 are coupled, the respectivechannels 63 and 77 of the tool holder 62 and land preparation tool 66are aligned. Alternatively, the land preparation tool 66 may alsocomprise multiple channels such as the two channel 177 embodiment ofFIGS. 7A and 7B. In a further embodiment, the channel 77 may be athreaded channel (not shown). The benefits of threaded channels in thetool holder 62 and land preparation tool 66 will be discussed in detailbelow.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cutting surface 67 may comprise atleast one blade, or any other tooling component described above. Forexample, the cutting surface 67 may comprise twin side-by side blades 74as shown in FIG. 4B. Alternatively as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, thecutting surface 167 may include two pairs of blades 174 disposed onopposite sides of the cutting surface 67. In yet another embodiment asshown in FIG. 11A, the cutting surface 267 may be a quad tooth cuttingtool 274. Quad tooth cutting tools 274 are commercially available fromQuadco Inc. Additional details regarding the cutting surface 67embodiments of FIGS. 4A-6B and 12A-13B are provided below.

Referring again to the embodiment of FIGS. 3B and 4A, the interferencefit of inverse mounting surfaces 64 and 68 in combination with theinsertion of rounded peg 65 into rounded recess 73 yields twofoldmale-female coupling between the tool holder 62 and the land preparationtool 66. To further ensure that the tool holder 62 and the landpreparation tool 66 are secured to each other, an additional securingmechanism may also be provided. As shown in FIG. 3B, the rotatable tool50 may utilize one or more securing bolts 90 extending through the landpreparation tool 66, specifically through the tool holder channel 63 andthe channel 77 of the land preparation tool 66. For the double channelexemplary embodiment of FIG. 7A, two securing bolts (not shown) may beused to secure the tool holder 62 to the land preparation tool 66.

As stated above, the respective channels of the land preparation tool 66and the tool holder 62 may comprise internal threads. These internalthreads may be used to engage external threads (not shown) of thesecuring bolts 90. As shown in FIG. 3B, a locking washer 92, locking pinor other suitable mechanism may be used to ensure the securing bolt(s)90 is firmly secure within the channels of the land preparation tool 66,and the tool holder 62. For additional details regarding the boltsecuring mechanism, U.S. application Ser. No. 12/171,784 is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

Referring again to FIG. 3B, the inverse mounting surfaces 64 and 68 ofthe tool holder 62 and land preparation tool 66, respectively, yieldmany unique advantages to the land preparation machines 10. For example,the V-shape non-planar profiles of inverse mounting surfaces 64 and 68provides a locking advantage by ensuring that all forces are driven tothe center of the tool holder. This increased contact area, along withthe V-shaped profile reduces the opportunity for the bolting system toloosen during vibration and shock loading. The vertical direction of theV-shape profile allows for symmetrical tools that can be flipped toutilize a double ended tool design. The locking advantage that theV-shape design provides greatly reduces the risk of the tool rotating ortwisting the mounting joint with impacted compared to alternativedesigns.

Along with these advantages, the V-shaped tool profile allows for lowercost manufacturing. With the traditional mulching application, themounting surfaces 64 and 68 of the tool holder 62 and the landpreparation tool 66, respectively, require flat machined surfaces thatmust be perpendicular to the bolt axis. In contrast, the V-shapedprofile is much more forgiving to surface finish and tolerances. Theincrease surface area along with the V-shape profile allows formanufacturing variations as well as the performance benefits provided bythe larger supporting surface area.

Referring to the embodiments of FIGS. 9A and 9B, the tool assemblies 60may also comprise intermediate connectors disposed 76 between the toolholder 62 and the land preparation tool 66 and configured to couple thetool holder 62 and the land preparation tool 66. Due to wear and tear onthe tool assemblies 60 from the rotation of the drum 52 and the mulchingaction performed, it has been found beneficial to have an intermediateconnector 76, which may be easily removed and replaced. While variousmaterials are suitable, it is contemplated that the intermediateconnector 76 may comprise a different material than the land preparationtool 66 or the tool holder 62. The intermediate connector 76 maycomprise carbide, mild steel, or other materials, such as metals, anddurable organic and inorganic compositions as would be familiar to oneof ordinary skill in the art. The intermediate connectors 76 may alsohave varying shapes and dimensions. In operation, the intermediateconnector 76 is operable to join the land preparation tool 66 and thetool holder 62 by press fitting, slip fitting, etc.

While optional, the intermediate connector 76 provides numerous benefitsto this land preparation apparatus 14. For example, the intermediateconnector 76 protects against tool holder 62 wear, while acting as astructural support for tool positioning and lateral loading. Theintermediate connector 76 may also improve fastening between the toolholder 62 and land preparation tool 66. As stated above, theintermediate connector 76 has a unique design and removability thatenables it to be manufactured out of materials different from the toolholder 62 or land preparation tool 66. By altering the materialproperties of the intermediate connector 76 material, component wear canbe controlled and an increased level of tolerance may be provided withminimal cost to the system.

Referring again to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the intermediate connector 76 maycomprise a tool holder interface 78, which is a surface configured to bein flush contact with the mounting surface 64 of the tool holder 62,thereby forming a friction of interference fit. The tool holderinterface 78 defines a non-planar profile inverse to the non-planarprofile of the tool holder mounting surface 64. Like above, thenon-planar profile defines any surface, which is not a straight planarsurface. Illustrations of a non-planar profile may include V-shaped,concave, or convex profiles, or combinations thereof. As shown in FIGS.9A and 9B, the tool holder interface 78 may comprise a V-shaped concaveprofile, which is an inverse shape of the V-shaped convex profile of thetool holder 62, and thereby facilitates mating of the tool holderinterface 78 and the tool holder mounting surface 64.

Referring again to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the intermediate connector 76 alsoincludes a tool interface 85 disposed on a surface of the intermediateconnector 76 opposite the tool holder interface 78. The tool interface85 may be configured to contact the mounting surface 268 of the landpreparation tool 66. Although FIGS. 9A and 9B depict the mountingsurface 268 as a flat planar profile, it is contemplated that themounting surface 268 could include a non-planar profile, such as theV-shaped profile or the other non-planar profiles described in detailabove. It is further contemplated that the tool interface 85 and thetool mounting surface 268 may define inverse surfaces, configured toform an interference fit.

To provide additional securing of tool assembly 60 components,additional coupling components may be utilized. Referring to FIGS. 10Aand 10B, the tool holder interface 78 may comprise a coupling mechanismconfigured to matingly connect with a coupling mechanism (e.g. a pair ofrounded pegs 265 as in FIG. 10A) of the tool holder 62. In theembodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B, the coupling mechanism of the toolholder interface 78 may comprise two round recesses 83 operable tomatingly receive the rounded pegs 265 of the tool holder 62. In thealternative embodiment of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the coupling mechanism ofthe tool holder interface 78 may comprise one round recess 183 operableto matingly receive a rounded peg 65 of the tool holder 62. The reverseconfiguration wherein the tool holder interface 78 comprises at leastone round peg and the tool holder mounting surface 64 comprises at leastone rounded recess is further contemplated herein.

Moreover, each tool interface 85 may comprise a coupling mechanismoperable to matingly connect with a coupling mechanism of the landpreparation tool 62. As shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B,the coupling mechanism of the tool interface 85 may comprise at leastone rectangular recess 82 and the coupling mechanism of the landpreparation tool 66 comprises at least one rectangular peg 75 matinglyinserted into the rectangular recess 82 of the tool interface 85. In analternative embodiment as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the couplingmechanism of the tool interface 85 may comprise one round recess 182operable to matingly receive a rounded peg 175 of the land preparationtool 66. Although the figures only depict one rectangular or round pegand one corresponding rectangular recess or rounded recess,respectively, it is contemplated that the mating arrangement may includemore than one peg/recess or a combination of rectangular and roundpeg/recesses. Like above, the reverse configuration wherein the toolinterface 85 comprises at least one rectangular peg and the tool holdercomprises at least one rectangular recess is further contemplatedherein.

As described above, the attachment of the tool holder 62 to the landpreparation tool 66 may further include an additional securingmechanism, for example, via bolts 90 as shown in FIG. 3B. Similarly, theadditional securing mechanism may also be incorporated into the toolassemblies 60 which include am intermediate connector 76, for example,the tool assembly 60 embodiments of FIGS. 9A-11B. As shown in FIG. 9A,the intermediate connector 76 may comprise at least one channel 81extending from the tool holder interface 78 to the tool interface 85,wherein the channels 81 are configured to align with the channels 161 ofthe tool holder 62 and the channels 177 of the land preparation tool 66.Similar to the bolting arrangement of FIG. 3B, the bolt(s) 90 would besecured through the aligned channels of the tool holder 62, theintermediate connector 76, and the land preparation tool 66. In contrastto the double channel 81 embodiments of FIGS. 9A-10B, it is furthercontemplated that single channels 181 may also be used, as shown inFIGS. 11A and 11B. Further similar to the bolting arrangement of FIG.3B, the channels 81 or 181 may include internal threads (not shown) toengage the external threads (not shown) of the bolt 90.

When assembling the land preparation apparatus 14 as shown in FIGS. 3Aand 3B, the tool holder 62 is mounted to a drum 52 by a suitablemounting mechanism, for example, through a bolt, screw, or weld. Tocouple the land preparation tool 66 to the tool holder 62, the inversemounting surfaces 64 and 68 contact one another, thereby forming aninterference or friction fit. Additionally, the round peg 65 of the toolholder 62 may be matingly inserted into the recessed region 73 of theland preparation tool 66 to additionally secure the tool assembly 60.Moreover, bolt(s) 90 may be inserted through the channels of the toolholder 62, and land preparation tool 66 to further secure the toolassembly 60.

Alternatively, as shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 10A and 10B, theintermediate connector 76 may be utilized in the tool assembly 60 whenassembling the land preparation apparatus 14. First, the tool holderinterface 78 of the intermediate connector 76 and the mounting surface64 of the tool holder 62, which define inverse non-planar surfaceprofiles, contact one another, thereby forming an interference orfriction fit. Further as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 10A, therounded pegs 165 of the tool holder 62 may be matingly inserted into therounded recesses 83 of the intermediate connector 76. Then, therectangular peg 75 of the land preparation tool 66 may be matinglyinserted into the recessed region 82 of the intermediate connector 76.At which point, the intermediate connector 76 resides within the landpreparation tool 66 and the tool holder 62. Additionally, a bolt(s) 90may be inserted through the channels of the tool holder 62, theintermediate connector 76, and the land preparation tool 66 to furthersecure the tool assembly 60.

In addition to the improved coupling of the components of the toolassembly 60, other embodiments of the present invention are directed toimprovements in the land preparation tool 66, specifically with regardto the cutting surface 67 disposed on a surface opposite the mountingsurface 68 of the land preparation tool 66. As shown in FIGS. 13A and13B, the cutting surface 67 (as shown in FIGS. 4A-6B) may define anupper region 67U and a lower region 67L. The lower region 67L defines anon-planar profile extending outwardly from a plane defined by the upperregion 67U. The non-planar lower region 67L of the cutting surface mayinwardly taper from a pair of opposite edges toward a midpoint of thecutting surface, or outwardly taper from a pair of opposite edges towarda midpoint of the cutting surface. Additionally, the non-planar profilemay be a V-shaped outwardly extending profile as shown in FIGS.12A-13B,a convex profile, a concave profile, a trapezoidal profile or anothersuitable profile familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art. Due tothis non-planar profile, the lower region 67L may define a non-planarprofile extending outwardly a distance D2 from a plane defined by theupper region 67U as shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B. Moreover, the lowerregion 67L may extend widthwise (W2) a horizontal distance which isgreater than the width (W1) of the upper region 67U. Moreover, as shownin FIGS. 13A and 13B, the land preparation tool 66 may comprise a pairof side surfaces 70 extending between the mounting surface 68 and thecutting surface 67, wherein the side surfaces 70 comprise an upperregion 70U and a lower region 70L. In conjunction with the lower regionof the cutting surface 67L, the lower region 70L may also extendwidthwise a horizontal distance greater than the width (W1) of the upperregion 67U of the cutting surface. As shown in an alternative embodimenton FIGS. 12A and 12B, the non-planar lower region 367L may define anon-planar profile extending outwardly a distance D1 from a planedefined by the upper region 367U; however, the lower region 367L doesnot extend widthwise a horizontal distance, which is greater than thewidth of the upper region 67U.

The non-planar profile of the cutting surface yields many advantages tothe tool assembly 60. For example, the non-planar profile providesprotection to the welds and/or the structural members of the rotorsystem. The welds, or fastening seats, can be achieved in a variety ofmechanical or chemical fastening methods at the base of the tool holder62. The shape of the cutting surface may protect the fastening joint,thereby providing physical protection by blocking abrasive materialsfrom contacting the joint as well as providing ideal material flow pathsto direct the abrasive material away from the joint. This protection inthe form of physically blocking and the induction of material flowdirection also provide improved wear characteristics of the rotor tubeor center support structure and the tool holder along with the fasteningjoint.

In addition, the non-planar profile also provides processing advantagesby directing the material flow around the tool assembly 60 to reduce thehorsepower required to move the rotor through the material, and bydirecting the material towards the cutting tip and away from the rotordrum or center section. This material flow advantage provides thetooling system control to the depth of cut again maximizing thehorsepower efficiency by limiting the size of the cut or chip.

It is noted that terms like “specifically,” “preferably,” “commonly,”and “typically” are not utilized herein to limit the scope of theclaimed invention or to imply that certain features are critical,essential, or even important to the structure or function of the claimedinvention. Rather, these terms are merely intended to highlightalternative or additional features that may or may not be utilized in aparticular embodiment of the present invention. It is also noted thatterms like “substantially” and “about” are utilized herein to representthe inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to anyquantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation.

Having described the invention in detail and by reference to specificembodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications andvariations are possible without departing from the scope of theinvention defined in the appended claims. More specifically, althoughsome aspects of the present invention are identified herein as preferredor particularly advantageous, it is contemplated that the presentinvention is not necessarily limited to these preferred aspects of theinvention.

All documents cited in the Detailed Description of the Invention are, inrelevant part, incorporated herein by reference; the citation of anydocument is not to be construed as an admission that it is prior artwith respect to the present invention. To the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this written document conflicts with any meaningor definition of the term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to the term in this written documentshall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

1. A land preparation tool comprising: a tool body having a longitudinalaxis, wherein the tool body comprises: a cutting surface and a mountingsurface disposed on the tool body opposite the cutting surface, whereinthe mounting surface includes an apex that extends along about half ofthe mounting surface parallel to the longitudinal axis and first andsecond side mounting surfaces that extend from the apex; a bladedisposed on the same side of the tool body as the cutting surface; and achannel disposed into the mounting surface and extending into the toolbody.
 2. The land preparation tool according to claim 1, wherein themounting surface has a non-planar profile selected from the groupconsisting of convex, concave, V-shaped, and combinations thereof. 3.The land preparation tool according to claim 2, wherein the non-planarprofile is V-shaped.
 4. The land preparation tool according to claim 1,wherein the first and second side mounting surfaces each angle from theapex away from the cutting surface.
 5. The land preparation toolaccording to claim 1, wherein the first and second side mountingsurfaces each angle from the apex toward the cutting surface.
 6. Theland preparation tool according to claim 2, wherein the blade has aconvex surface.
 7. The land preparation tool according to claim 6,wherein the blade comprises two blades positioned adjacent to oneanother above the cutting surface on the tool body.
 8. The landpreparation tool according to claim 1, wherein the channel extendsentirely through the tool body and the cutting surface.
 9. The landpreparation tool according to claim 2, wherein: a portion of the cuttingsurface comprises a first angled surface that sweeps backward from thecutting surface toward the mounting surface, and a second portion of thecutting surface comprises a second angled surface disposed on a side ofthe cutting surface opposite the first angled surface, the second angledsurface sweeps backward from the cutting surface toward the mountingsurface.
 10. The land preparation tool according to claim 9, wherein alower portion of the cutting surface angles forward and away from thebody.
 11. The land preparation tool according to claim 9, wherein thebody comprises an upper region having a width W₁ and a lower region thatcomprises the first and second angled surfaces and at least a portion ofthe cutting surface and having a width W₂, and wherein W₂ is greaterthan W₁.
 12. The land preparation tool according to claim 2, furthercomprising a second channel extending through the mounting surface andinto the body toward the cutting surface.
 13. A land preparation toolcomprising: a tool body having a longitudinal axis, wherein the toolbody comprises: a cutting surface and a mounting surface disposed on thebody opposite the cutting surface, wherein the mounting surfacecomprises a non-planar profile selected from the group consisting ofconvex, concave, V-shaped, and combinations thereof; a blade disposed onthe same side of the tool body as the cutting surface; and a channeldisposed into the mounting surface and extending into the tool body. 14.The land preparation tool according to claim 13, wherein the non-planarprofile is V-shaped.
 15. The land preparation tool according to claim14, wherein the V-shaped mounting surfaces include an apex and first andsecond side mounting surfaces extending from the apex and angling awayfrom the cutting surface.
 16. The land preparation tool according toclaim 14, wherein the V-shaped mounting surfaces include an apex andfirst and second side mounting surfaces extending from the apex andangling toward the cutting surface.
 17. The land preparation toolaccording to claim 13, wherein the blade comprises two blades.
 18. Aland preparation tool holder comprising: a tool holder body having alongitudinal axis; a tool holder mounting surface disposed on one sideof the tool holder body, wherein the tool holder mounting surfacecomprises an apex that extends along about half of the tool holdermounting surface parallel to the longitudinal axis, a first tool holderside mounting surface extending from the apex, and a second tool holderangled side angle mounting surface extending from the apex, opposite thefirst tool holder side mounting surface; and a channel disposed into thetool holder mounting surface.
 19. The land preparation tool holderaccording to claim 18, wherein the tool holder mounting surface has anon-planar profile selected from the group consisting of convex,concave, V-shaped, and combinations thereof
 20. The land preparationtool holder according to claim 18, wherein the first and second toolholder side mounting surfaces each extend from the apex and angle awayfrom the cutting surface.
 21. The land preparation tool according toclaim 18, wherein the first and second tool holder side mountingsurfaces each extend from the apex and angle toward the cutting surface.